didn't do that; they merely knelt in the pew with bowed heads. So
Missy also knelt with bowed head. She was by this time in a state
difficult to describe; a quivering jumble of excitement, eagerness,
timidity, fear, hope, and exaltation. . .

And now at last, was come the time!

Brother Poole, again wearing the look on his face as of an electric
light turned on within, exhorted the repentant ones to "stand up and
testify."

Missy couldn't bear to wait for someone else to begin. She jumped
hastily to her feet. Grandma tried to pull her down. Missy frowned
slightly--why was grandma tugging at her skirt? Tugging aways she
extended her arms with palms flat together and thumbs extended--one
of Brother Poole's most effective gestures--and began:

"My soul rejoiceth because I have seen the light. Yea, it burns in
my soul and my soul is restoreth. I will fear no evil even if it is
born again. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days
of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. I
have been a sinner but--"

Why was grandma pulling at her skirt? Missy twitched away and,
raising her voice to a higher key, went on:

"I said I've been a sinner, but I've repented my sins and want to
lead a blameless life. I repent my sins--O Lord, please forgive me
for being a spy-eye when Cousin Pete kissed Polly Currier, and guide
me to lead a blameless life. Amen."